Welcome to the Karch Lab!

Capturing Pathology of AD in Human Stem Cell Models. The image depicts 1. A healthy brain producing healthy neurons, microglia, astrocytes and cortical brain organoids. 2. A healthy stem cell donor that produces healthy neurons, microglia, astrocytes, and cortical brain organoids. 3. A brain afflicted with neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's disease. This brain produces diseased neurons, microglia, astrocytes, and cortical brain organoids. 4. A stem cell donor with a risk variant or protective variant also produces diseased neurons, microglia, astrocytes, and cortical brain organoids.

Our Scientific Mission

The goal of the Karch lab is to understand the molecular drivers of Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and other neurodegenerative disease. To do this, we use functional genomics along side stem cell and mouse models. The Karch lab has developed a somatic and stem cell collection containing  deeply clinically characterized cell lines from individuals carrying genetic drivers of Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. These cells are used to develop novel tools to interrogate mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease. Additionally, the Karch lab couples high-throughput transcriptomics and proteomics in stem cells and human brain tissues to identify disease signatures and to understand protein kinetics in disease.

Immunocytochemistry of iPSC-derived Neurons and iPSC-derived Microglia

Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mission

Our goal is to perform cutting-edge research to understand and cure neurodegenerative disease, while advocating for equity and representation within and beyond the lab

Lab Goals

  • To evaluate, challenge, and build-upon developments and contributions to the field of neurodegenerative research 
  • To address questions that are medically and socially relevant 
  • To develop a stem cell repository representative of the breadth of individuals affected by neurodegenerative disease 
  • To provide mentorship that ensures lab members are thoroughly trained to approach scientific inquiry in a methodical and hypothesis-driven manner; while simultaneously fostering the development of skills necessary to empower themselves and to accomplish their career goals.  
  • To foster an environment that values and rewards collaboration, sharing and teamwork 

Lab Values

  • Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity  
  • Dedication to Changing the Landscape of the Future of Neurodegenerative Research 
  • Growth, Support, and Training Initiatives  
  • Building Trust